Minister K. Krishnankutty faces ire of Valiyathura residents

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for Water Resources K. Krishnankutty faced strong protest from local residents during his visit to Valiyathura, a coastal area here in the district reeling from sea erosion.

The residents protested against the delay in construction of sea wall. The protest resulted in a tussle between the police and residents.

The minister had reached Valiyathura around 12 pm to evaluate the destruction caused by tidal waves. The residents immediately surrounded Krishnankutty demanding a sustainable solution for the destruction caused by sea erosion and tidal waves.

Though the minister said that the matter will be resolved after discussions, the residents demanded a solution the same day. The residents surrounded the minister and prevented him from moving. The argument heated up resulting in a tussle between the protesters and police.

The police had to take considerable effort to take the minister back to his vehicle. The residents even tried to block Krishnankutty’s vehicle.

Following the onset of monsoon, Valiyathura residents are facing severe destruction due to rising sea levels, land erosion and tidal waves. As many as 15 houses have been completely destroyed so far. Over 100 houses were damaged. Following this, the residents were shifted to three relief camps.